How many BTUs of natural gas does it take to heat a 1,700-square-foot home?

The amount of BTUs of natural gas needed to heat a 1,700-square-foot space ranges from 15,300 to 68,000, depending on the quality of the insulation and the climate where the house is located. Poor insulation and colder climates require more BTUs than tight insulation in temperate climates.

A poorly insulated 1,700 square foot house in a cold climate requires between 34,000 to 68,000 BTUs, while the same house in a temperate climate requires between 27,200 to 54,400 BTUs. Because a BTU is a measure of heat, the heating source does not affect the amount of BTUs required to heat a space, although it does affect the cost.